If you are wondering if you can freeze pumpkin, the answer is yes!
A reader asked how long frozen pumpkin lasts on my how to cook a pumpkin post. If one person asks there are ten more who are wondering about frozen pumpkin but don’t ask.
If you haven’t read the pumpkin cooking tutorial, you need to stop everything and read it now! 🙂 Homemade pumpkin puree’ will change your life.
Here’s something you might not know about me, I NEVER liked pumpkin anything. Even though my family is basically addicted to pumpkin pie, I never liked it. However once I tried homemade pumpkin in a recipe it was a game-changer!
Homemade pumpkin is super sweet and changes the taste of your baked goods for the better! But, the fact that you are reading this means you probably already know it already. So happy baking!
As I said in the pumpkin cooking post, I freeze my pumpkin in regular Ziploc bags. However we end up eating the pumpkin within a month.
How to Freeze Pumpkin
To freeze pumpkin, first puree the pumpkin flesh. Once the pumpkin fresh is smooth measure and scoop in ziploc bags.
I typically put two cups on pumpkin in each bag. Lay the bags flat on a cookie sheet and place in the freezer to set. Once the pumpkin is frozen, remove the pumpkin from the cookie sheet. Stack the bags to store in the freezer.
Tip: If you are freezing pumpkin for more than a few months I recommend straining it through cheesecloth to remove as much excess water as possible.
Also for long term freezer storage use a food saver (sealer) or freezer bags for the pumpkin puree.
Frozen pumpkin puree’ lasts about one year before it starts to affect the taste of your baked goods. I know people have used frozen pumpkin in recipes after two years, but I prefer to use it sooner.
I’ve heard that pumpkin that is frozen for over a year, ends up being very watery in pies, so perhaps only use it in baked goods, muffins, pancakes, etc.
I think using my crock pot pumpkin method might solve the water problem, but I’ve never tried it to be sure. We love pumpkin so much, it never lasts long enough to try!
Do you freeze your pumpkin puree’ and if so, for how long?
FishMama says
I just finished writing a freezer cookbook — and did A LOT of research about freezer safety. 🙂
The general rule of thumb is to use anything within two to three months, particularly those items that are in a refrigerator freezer. If you know that you don’t open your deep freeze that often and that the temperature remains constant, you can go longer. It won’t go “bad,” it just loses taste and texture.
Steve Mey says
true, i had Crown pumpkin in my chest deepfreeze, which are only opened maybe 3 times a month to take out supplies to be stored in my upright freezer in the kitchen. still all tasty and well coulered. Steve Mey
Karen says
I’m using frozen pumpkin from two years ago (frozen in freezer zip bags with all the air sucked out) in bread and muffins and it’s just fine – no change in taste or texture.
Christine E. says
My mom always cooked her own pumpkins and froze it. To use it she would thaw it in the refrigerator in a sieve with a bowl under it. That way her pies would not be watery when she used it.
Kim says
Great idea. Thank you
Angela says
Thank you for your reply. I’m glad to know that my ? is still good to eat.
Angela says
Oops, my previous message should read; I’m glad to know my pumpkin is still good to eat.
Beth says
I froze pumpkin last year in freezer bags. I just finished using up the last of it, so it was pretty well 1 year from when I had frozen it. I used it to make pumpkin pie and it was the same texture and taste as we were used to. I had cooked the pumpkin in the oven and stored it in my deep freezer. Hope this helps. 🙂
Nancy says
Thanks for your information about freezing fresh pumpkin. You have been a big help in making a decision about my frozen pumpkin !!
To eat or not to eat… I defrosted the pumpkin and it doesn’t taste bad at all, just watery.. It has been in my freezer for 2 years…
Thanks for your webpage !!
Bernie says
I have 2 pumpkin pies left from Thanksgiving. Is it to late to freeze them?
food police says
Froze fresh pumpkin a little over two years ago and I was wondering if anyone else had any sucess using it after two years in deep freeze. At this point there are no more sugar pumpkins in the market, so fresh is no longer an option. Thanks for this web site! And please keep it going. My little twist for the Holidays is to make pie filling and use puff pastry and make pop-overs. Add a little icing to each of them and those little tri-angles pack wholesome flavor that will get a yum from everyone!